Mexico’s Prolific Graffiti Scene

A work-in-progress shot by Edgar Lopez.

I don’t think I’m unusual, as an American, in my knee-jerk reaction to graffiti. It has inspired caution and even fear in me. However, I’ve come to understand that random graffiti in Mexico doesn’t mean the same thing it does in the US. After speaking to others here in Guadalajara, including a native-born young man, I understand that, as he pointed out, it’s mostly art or boredom – not gang tagging.

You see graffiti in the oddest places.Again – up high.

It is easy to see, here in Guadalajara and Oaxaca so far, that the presence of graffiti is not ominous. It is pretty much everywhere, however less prominent in the heart of the historical areas. Anyway, here are few examples – most I’ve shot, but two of the art examples were provided by one of hostel mates. Enjoy.

Another one taken by Edgar Lopez.On my streetGetting political in OaxacaTranslation – “Death to the State”